In a daring daylight operation, a group of robbers carried out a seven-minute heist at the Louvre Museum in Paris, making away with priceless French crown jewels. The audacious theft took place on Sunday morning, forcing the world-renowned museum to close its doors for the rest of the day as authorities launched an intensive manhunt.
According to officials, the robbers used power tools and a furniture hoist to access the Gallerie d’Apollon, a hall that houses France’s crown jewels and historical diamonds. The thieves arrived at the museum shortly after its 9 a.m. opening, scaling the building with the extendable ladder to break into the gallery through a window. Witnesses described the scene as “like a Hollywood movie,” with armed police quickly sealing off the area as visitors were evacuated.
Among the stolen artifacts was the 19th-century crown of Empress Eugenie, the wife of Napoleon III, which was later found damaged near the museum. The crown, adorned with 1,354 diamonds and 56 emeralds, is one of France’s most valuable royal pieces. Authorities are still assessing the full extent of the loss, as several other items from the gallery might also be missing.
The robbery occurred just a short distance from Paris police headquarters, highlighting the boldness of the criminals. Witnesses reported seeing four masked suspects arriving on scooters and using angle grinders to gain entry. Within half a minute, they had breached the museum, stolen the jewels, and fled the scene before police could respond.
French officials have opened a major investigation into the heist, as the theft adds to a growing series of museum robberies in France. In recent months, thieves have targeted several cultural institutions, stealing gold artifacts and priceless porcelain items worth millions of euros.
The Louvre, once the royal palace of French monarchs, remains the world’s most visited museum, welcoming millions each year. Authorities say the museum will remain closed temporarily to preserve evidence crucial to the investigation. Security has been tightened across major Paris museums as police intensify efforts to recover the stolen jewels and bring the perpetrators to justice.
